The European Union plans to reduce steel import quotas and sharply raise tariffs on foreign steel, the EU’s industry chief, Stephane Sejourne, told the sector on Wednesday, aligning with similar actions taken by the United States, according to a report by AFP.
Brussels will introduce new measures next week to support the steel industry, replacing the existing ‘safeguard clause’ that will expire next year, Sejourne said.

The new measures are intended to prevent the influx of low-cost steel into the EU market, following the United States’ new tariffs and Canada’s increased duties on Chinese steel imports.
Existing EU safeguard measures, such as import quotas, are in place until 2026 to protect the bloc’s steel industry from excess supply originating in Asia. Currently, the EU imposes a 25% tariff on steel imports that exceed the established quota limits.

Sejourne stated that Brussels now plans to cut foreign steel import quotas by nearly 50% and increase tariffs to match those imposed by its American and Canadian partners. He added that, once approved, the measures will be permanent.

European manufacturers have experienced a sharp decline in profit margins due to a surge of steel imports from China flooding the European market. Industry data reveals that China accounted for over half of the global steel production last year. European steel producers have also faced increased operational costs driven by soaring energy prices across the region.

The EU has already strengthened existing safeguards by reducing steel imports by an additional 15% in April. While the recent EU-U.S. tariff agreement did not cover steel, Brussels remains hopeful that both parties can collaborate to defend their markets, particularly against Chinese exports.
Sejourne is scheduled to present the commission’s proposal to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Tuesday.

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